Blades' ad-lib line pure gold

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Blades' ad-lib line pure gold
Cory Wolfe, The StarPhoenix
Published: Friday, January 18, 2008
What started out as an ad-lib has turned into a pretty good line for the Saskatoon Blades.

The forward unit of Curtis Hamilton, Chris Langkow and Travis Toomey was born last week when injuries and a trade-deadline deal forced coach Lorne Molleken to shuffle his deck.

They've been arguably the Blades' best line ever since.





They provide a lot of energy and they have a tremendous work ethic," said Molleken. "Through that, they're creating some opportunities for themselves."

Hamilton and Toomey have been regular linemates throughout the season, but the addition of Langkow has taken them to another level. The trio was outstanding in Wednesday's 2-1 shootout win over the Vancouver Giants. Hamilton scored Saskatoon's lone regulation goal during a first-period power play. They generated oodles of opportunities against the Giants' usually stingy defence. Only netminder Tyson Sexsmith -- and a couple of posts -- kept the buzzing Blades at bay.

"We've had lots of chances in the past two games and we haven't scored a lot of goals," said Hamilton, a 16-year-old winger. "But once we start finishing, we'll get a lot of goals. It's gonna come. We've been waiting all year, but we just haven't had a lot of luck."

The 18-year-old Langkow -- acquired from the Spokane Chiefs on Jan. 7 -- has energized the Blades' bland offence. His rookie linemates have fed off his enthusiasm and veteran leadership.

"He's such a hard worker and he takes the puck down the wall so well," said Toomey, a 17-year-old centre. "He never gives up on any play. That makes it easier for me and Curtis. We just get in there and do whatever we can to help."

Langkow wore a broad grin prior to Thursday's practice. Although he hasn't scored in six games as a Blade, he's thrilled to hold a prominent role after playing third-line minutes with Spokane.

"Everyone is working hard to get those chances and if the team keeps playing like this, good things will happen," he said. "We're all working as hard as we can and that's a good sign."

The Blades (16-27-2-1) remain a long shot to make the playoffs. Entering tonight's game in Brandon, they're 16 points out of a playoff spot. However, they're 3-2-0-0 in their last five starts and only one of those games -- a 5-1 loss to Prince Albert -- has been a stinker.

Goaltender Braden Holtby has allowed only one regulation goal in each of his last two starts. Including Wednesday's shootout, he's stopped 71 of the last 75 shots he's faced.

The Blades bus home right after tonight's game. They're scheduled to play the Red Deer Rebels on Saturday as part of the Hockey Day in Saskatchewan festivities at Credit Union Centre.

BLADE BITS: LW Ondrej Fiala (ankle), LW Garrett Klotz (knee) and RW Walker Wintoneak (shoulder) remain on Saskatoon's injured list. Fiala and Klotz aren't expected to return until the end of the month, while Wintoneak is likely to be sidelined for another week.

cwolfe@sp.canwest.com

HOCKEY DAY IN SASKATCHEWAN

All games at Credit Union Centre on Saturday

9 a.m. -- Novice senior: Renegade Thunder vs. Bobcat Roadrunners

10:05 a.m. -- Novice intermediate: Phantom Flyers vs. Comet Flames

11:10 a.m. -- Novice junior: Renegade Sharks vs. Wild Fire

1:30 p.m. -- Midget AAA All-Star Game

7 p.m. -- WHL: Blades vs. Rebels

[hobster]

This was by far the best Blade line against Red Deer on Saturday night they work so hard behind the net thy muck and grind and never stop working. This line should be a force for this year and a couple more seasons yet, they also have been getting there fair share of pp time.On another note i was talking to the Blades players that weren't dressed, and i guess they will al be ready to go next Saturday in Moose Jaw Fiala Klotz Niemi and Wintoneak so that should help out.